Malayappa Swamy is one among the numerous names of the utsava
murti (presiding processional deity) in Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala.
The most popular names of the deity worshipped in Tirupati temple are Balaji
and Venkateswara. The name Malayappa Swamy is widely used by Telugu and to a certain
extend by the Kannada and Tamil speaking community.

Origin of Name Malayappa Swamy

In ancient times, Malayappa, the Utsavamurthy of Lord
Venkateswara was often referred to as ‘Malai-kunia-ninra-Perumal’. It means,
the Lord who stands in a valley between two hills. Another meaning of the term
is the ‘Lord stood on the hill which bowed low to Him.’ Over the course of
time, his name was shortened to Malayappan or Malayappa Swami.

The main deity worshipped in Tirupati Balaji Temple is
immovable. During pujas, rituals, festivals and processions, which involves the
moving around of the deity, Malayappa Swamy is worshipped.

The belief is that the Tejas (divinity) of the original
murti is present in Malayappa Swamy.

How to the Utsava Murti of Malayappa Swamy of Tirupati was Discovered?

The murti of Malayappa Swamy is Swayambhu (that which
appeared on its own) and it was discovered in 1339 AD.

Earlier Ugra Srinivasa was the utsava murti of Tirupati
Temple. Once during a procession a major fire broke out and that night a
villager of the area had a vision about the presence of another utsava murti in
the Tirumala Hills.

The utsava murti of Malayappa Swamy was discovered at a holy
spot, which is today referred to as Malayyappan Konai (Malayappa's corner)